As we have seen, sexually active adolescents can face devastating consequences as
a result of their behavior. To prevent all these health, social, and economic problems,
how can we be effective in encouraging kids to delay sexual activity?
Adolescents need to Know Sex is necessary. We want to create a positive view point
about ourselves as sexual beings. But we must convey the message that sex is not
an adolescent recreational activity. What parents can do:
- Be an Example
- Set Limits and Expectations
- Talk, Question, Listen, Observe, and Encourage
It is very important that parents listen to their children. Most importantly,
be an example. Actions speak louder than words!!
Brain Development and Cognitive Thinking
Youth between ages 5 and 20 make decisions based on emotions-using part of the brain
called the Amygdala.
Youth make decisions based on how they feel as opposed to weighing out the consequences
of their decisions first.
According to the CDC, adolescents are at higher risk for acquiring STDs than adults
due to multiple sexual partners and high risk partners. Adolescents are also more
susceptible to infection due to the immaturity of the reproductive tract, particularly
the cervix, which comprises the bottom of the uterus.
- Most sexually active people will have an STD by age 24
- STDs are at epidemic numbers and most sexually active adolescents will acquire an
STD
- STDs can cause serious problems: Death – Cancer – Pain – Infertility
- STDs that may have NO Symptoms
- Chlamydia: 75% of girls / 50% of boys
- Herpes: 90%
- HPV: over 90%
- HIV: approx. 50%
- If you don’t know you have and STD, you can pass it on to someone without knowing
it!
- When someone has a STD, anyone who has sex with that person stands a chance of becoming
infected.